Magic of the Marginal Way

After living in Ogunquit for many years, I never get tired of the Marginal Way. Yes, the wide sandy beach of Ogunquit is a favorite of many, but the Marginal Way is something special.

The Marginal Way is an old trail (some say Native American trail) that hovers the coast. Starting in the village off of Shore Road after Cottage Street, the trail ends at Perkins Cove. The trail is @ 1.25 mile each way (1.8 km).

Runners, surfers and walkers use this path daily for exercise and recreation. Best time is morning before the afternoon sightseers. The Marginal Way provides solace for many each and everyday. I enjoy running on this trail at sunrise. the air is fresh and fragrant scent of salt and flowers!

The strip of land along the water's edge has a an abundant variety of plants and birds. The high tides leave tide pools  filled with marine life: crabs, barnacles, shells, sea urchins and Sea Anemones.

The cliffs are grand and magnificent and are a geological wonder. Igneous and sedimentary rocks were formed when ancient continents collided 385 billion years ago. Other rocks were leftover from the last ice age.

The Details:

Marginal Way off of Shore Road.

Free to all. No pets from 01 April to 01 November

Walk at your own risk. Cliffs, trails, views and benches.
Steep rocks and dramatic tides.
From Ogunquit Beach Inn walk down School Street, to Shore Road.

Lobster Shack of Ogunquit. Restaurant review...

It takes an American lobster 6-7 years to get to an edible size, but that is just the beginning. Lobsters are long-lived animals, and are thought to be capable of living over 100 years.

                                                     -Lobster Facts

It's the place where local folk and visitors frequent in Ogunquit. The Lobster Shack is THE quintessential Maine lobster shack. If you are visiting Ogunquit, this is a must. It's lobster in the semi-rough.

The Shack, once a lobster bait shack located deep in Perkins Cove near the wooden draw bridge, offers a simple menu: fresh Maine lobsters, Steamers, lobster roll, crab sandwiches, hot chowder and cold beer. It's a very casual where you place your order at the counter and the server brings to you. Seating is limited: tables with benches. Lots of napkins,  and fresh drawn butter.

I went to dinner with my buddy, Ogunquit Selectman Bobby Winn, and Diana. We wanted something easy and not too fussy. 

Owner Jason Evans, mans the counter and greets guests. I picked my lobster, a pound & halfer! Jason's family has owned and operated The Shack since the 80's.

We feasted on steamers, lobster, chowder and sandwiches!

The Details:

The Lobster Shack

110 Perkins Cove Road

Ogunquit, Maine 03907

Telephone 207 646 9800
http://www.lobster-shack.com/

MasterCard/visa accepted

Reservations not needed. Casual dining.

Old photo of the "Lobster Shack". Building is in the middle of the picture.

Sailing in Ogunquit.....

                  Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship.

-Omar Bradley

I have had a love affair with the sea as long as I can remember. The ocean fascinates all my senses. This week, my friends and I went out on The "Silverlining" sailboat out of Perkins Cove.

The Silverling is a 42 foot rigged wooden sloop built in Maine in 1939. This fast sailboat has an 888 sq ft sail with a working jib on  a 63 foot spruce spar.
 

Four to five times a day, The Silverlining leaves the sheltered harbor of Perkins Cove and sails along the ragged Maine coast.  The 42 foot spruce spar is so tall that the wooden drawbridge needs to be opened every time the sloop departs or enters the cove.

After embarking from Perkins Cove, First Mate, Beau raises the large sail.....

The Silverlining  holds up to 6 passengers. Today, my neighbor Tobias, and a guest at Ogunquit Beach Inn, Mark from Florida, accompanied me on this voyage.....

Captain Jack Gordon has been Maine waters for over 35 years.....

Captain Jack gave me a lesson is sailing...

As we returned to Perkins Cove the moon greeted us.

The Details:
Leaves from Perkins Cove Daily in season.
Call to make a reservation 207.646.9800
Sloop holds only 6 passengers
Bring a lunch, snack and you are allowed to BYOB in moderation.
Rates for 2012 $35 to $40
http://www.silverliningsailing.com
Silverlining@maine.rr.com



Perkins Cove Ode

Perkins Cove Ode

Once a sleepy little fishing inlet

Colorful lobster-men mending a net!

Dories with oars! Their fishing boats

Piled with lobster traps barely afloat!

Artists with easels painting near-by

A primitive footbridge under a blue sky!

An Artist Colony established in 1898

A scenic wharf with barrels of bait!

Came the dredgers digging down deep

Enlarging the Cove with one big sweep!

Lobster boats with motors soon followed suit

Then a motorized footbridge too-boot!

Today Perkins Cove thriving with action

Multitudes of welcoming tourist attractions!

Walk the Marginal Way a leisurely rove

Ending up at our famous “Perkins Cove!

By:

Richard “W” Perkins

( The “W” is for “Wow!” )

The name says it all....

The name says it all. If you love breakfast, you'll love Amore!

It's an Ogunquit favorite. Serving breakfast to legions of faithful fans for almost two decades. Owner-operator Leanne Cusimano guides this breakfast restaurant with precision and care. There is attention to every detail: enticing breakfast food, inviting atmosphere and well trained staff. Cusimano is passionate about providing her guests with a quality dining experience.

Amore Breakfast  is known for it's famous Banana Foster, a pecan-coated, cream-cheese-stuffed French toast served with a side of sauteed bananas in a rum syrup. My buddy John accompanied me, and  he chose the uber popular Foster's (which the New York Times said "...a strong contender for the town's most decadent breakfast.")

I told the staff that I was gluten free, and they alerted me to items on the menu which are gluten free. My server assured me that there was no cross contamination. I was impressed by his knowledge. Amore Breakfast serves a variety of gluten free items: omelets, bagels, fruit and waffles.

(Michael, and owner Leanne Cusimano)

I ordered the Eastern Omelet, a smoked Salmon red onion, capers, and cream cheese three egg omelet, accompanied with a gluten free bagel. The meal was delicious!

Amore Breakfast is decorated with nostalgic American theme. Checker-board  patterns mixed with retro tables and a long breakfast bar with stools awakens the senses. The wait in summertime can be long, but rest assured, it is well worth the wait!

The Details:

Amore Breakfast

309 Shore Road

Ogunquit, ME 03907

Telephone: 207 646 6661

http://www.amorebreakfast.com/

Open 7am to 1pm. Limited parking in rear. Located on Shore, close to Perkins Cove.

Amore features: traditional breakfast/brunch menu, healthy items, gluten free, and many specials. Amore Breakfast also serves mimosas, beer and frozen specialty coffee drinks.

Beat the crowds, go early!

If you are walking to Perkins Cove, try their coffee to go at Cafe Amore. 

Ode to Marginal Way

It's been a mild winter in Ogunquit Maine this year. Occasional light snow, and mild above freezing temperatures are the norm for this January.
Ogunquit and its grand coastline has always inspired artists, photographers and writers. The following poem is by local wordsmith legend Richard Perkins. Photos were taken by Ogunquit resident Rick Barber.

Ode to

Marginal Way

*******

This beautiful path is a one mile rove

Ending up at Perkins Cove!

The swirling tide pools and crashing surf

A breathtaking stroll on this good earth!

******

The outcropping bayberry and bittersweet

30 dedicated benches beckoning you to seat!

To ponder the beauty of the Marginal Way

Your temptation to return day after day!

******

The bold Atlantic with waves pounding

Around each curve more beauty abounding!

Lobster boats and buoys adding to the scene

When the tide becomes low another theme!

******

The Marginal Way is over 100 years old

Gracing our coast strong and bold!

Ogunquit is blessed with this beautiful gem

At the end of your stroll you will say “Amen!”

******

The land bequeathed by Josiah Chase in 1923

To Ogunquit “Beautiful Place By The Sea!”

******

By Richard Perkins

MC Perkins Cove Restaurant Review

There are so many fine restaurants in Ogunquit, its hard to pick my favorite. However one restaurant consistently pleases all my senses.

MC Perkins Cove is just that restaurant. Located in Perkins Cove,  USA Today states the this is one of  "the Top Ten places in the world with a view".
MC Perkins is owned by Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier, who also own the award winning  Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit.

                                                                                          (the view from our table)
The restaurant is casual yet sophisticated. You will not find a children's menu or highchairs. What you will find is many  local favorites with a unique twist.

Chefs Gaier and Frasier are also recipients of the James Beard Foundation for best chefs in the Northeast. Celebrity chefs Gaier and Frasier  have appeared numerous time on the Today Show, CBS' Early Morning Show and other programs.

We started with an order of Fried Calamari with cherry peppers with gremolta dipping sauce.  Our salad choice was the Caesar's Salad. The salad had imported anchovies that were mouthwatering and not salty.

Mike tried the steak special of the day,  which was topped with caramelized onions and was accompanied by a side of Chick Pea fries. The fries had an interesting taste, and I would definitely try them again.

My meal was actually something from the raw bar.  I got the famed  The Grand Shellfish Tower. This eye popping piece de resistance  is a collection of oysters, little neck clans, jumbo shrimp, mussels and Maine lobster with onion Tabasco sauce and a lime vinaigrette sauce. Usually people will share this grand delight, but I chose to eat it by myself!

There are so many reasons to visit MC Perkins Cove: the sights, the sounds of the crashing waves, the smell of the intoxicating food and the unique flavors that delight my taste buds. The service is impeccable. One unique thing about MC Perkins is that  the staff is really committed in providing great SERVICE and is very knowledgeable about food, preparation and menu. Staff is not interested in flipping tables like tourists restaurants that dot the coastline, but they are more in-focus providing a great experience. We where there for over two hours and enjoyed every minute!

The Details:

MC Perkins Cove

111 Perkins Cove Road

Ogunquit, ME

Phone: 207 646 6263

http://www.mcperkins.com

Reservations are HIGHLY suggested, especially in summer and weekends. All major credit cards are accepted. Located deep in Perkins Cove near the boat yard. Paid parking available, and there is free parking in the boat yard. Food and Service is five star. 

There are two bars, where you can also eat and enjoy a smart cocktail!

Innkeepers Greg & Mike enjoy MC Perkins Cove and recommend this bistro to their guests at Ogunquit Beach Inn

Talk like a Mainah!

Everyone knows what a Boston accent sounds like. In Maine the accent is similar and  yet varied. There are unique cadences and dialectal sounds in a coastal Maine accent. Yes, many Mainers drop their "R's", but there are dialectal shifts that are unique. You can hear the accent while visiting the Harbor Master's Shack in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit. Listen to the fishermen as they talk about their catch of the day and hear a good example of this accent

Harbor Master's Shack, Perkins Cove

I have compiled a short list of words that are unique and distinct for coastal Maine. Many of these words are also used in New England and maritime provinces of Canada too.

Many of these words are used by my neighbors, friends and co-workers. Some of the words are nautical in origin. Many are early modern English in origin.

Ayuh, oh yeah:  To agree.
Schrod: Can be Haddock, Cod, Pollock or Hake. White fish catch of the day.
Cunnin: Cute.
Down Cellar: In the basement. "fetch me the laundry down cellah..."
Pot: Lobster Trap.

Wicked: Adverb, very, "its wicked cold outside"
Finest Kind: Literally, the very best. "These clams are the finest kind!"
Selectmen/man: Elected officials in a town. Similar to City councilors.
Dory: A type of wooden boat used for fishing in the north Atlantic.

Door Yard: The area around the door, usually the back yard or side yard. "the trash bin is in the door yard"
From Away: Someone not from the area, almost always someone from outside the state. An outsider
Cuddy: Cupboard or Closet. On a boat a Cuddyhole is a storage space.
Tonic: Soda
Ice Box: Refrigerator
Tea Dance: Some times not a dance, and rarely is tea served. This is an afternoon social at a local watering hole. Usually on a Sunday, or Monday holiday. T-dance is usually late afternoon, into the early evening. "Meet you at tea-dance at the MaineStreet this afternoon"
Stove-up: Injured from a fall. From a bike, horse or any other type of accident. "I was all stoved-up after I fell of my bike".  Etymology comes from shipping days from the wooden barrel STAVES. (past tense of Stave, smashed in)
August-itis: What Mainers get in August from an abundance of tourists and hot weather. This ailment usually clears up by Labor Day. "Polly's August-itis cleared-up after she was crowned "Miss Main Beach 2010"

Punt: Flatbottom square boat. There are many skiffs in Perkins Cove.

Apt: Likely. "I am apt to go down cellar after dinner"
Cussid: "I can't start the cussid lawn mower" Cussid, a contraction of curse.
Dinner-pail/dinner-bucket: What the rest of the country calls a lunch box.
Dite/dight: Originally dutch for small coin. Now means "just a little more". Mainers may say "put a dite more of butter on my lobster!
Dressed/Dress: Used as a verb. "Go on kids, and dress your feet up!"
Winter:  Verb. "Did you winter well?"
Dump, the: Noun. Place where we bring our rubbish. Called a transfer station or recycling center. Many towns in Maine do not have trash pick-up, so its to the dump we go!
Ate: used in the second person singular to eat. "Did you ate suppah yet?"
Gawmy/gorm : Dorky, clumsy, "get your big gawmy hands out of the pot of chodah!"

Marginal Way Redux

.

Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce claims "Ogunquit is New England's most walkable resort".  Ogunquit offers three great walking venues: village, beach and Marginal Way.
The Marginal Way is an old Indian trail the meanders from the village centre and hugs the rocky coast to picturesque Perkins Cove. The Marginal Way starts at Shore Road after the Sparhawk Hotel. From the inn, walk to the end of School Street on to Shore Road, and the entrance is just a few feet to the east.
Winter is a great time to hike the Marginal Way. A stroll on the Marginal Way is "must do" while visiting Ogunquit, and an added benefit to partake in the winter! Gone are the throngs of tourists.  During winter the Marginal Way is quiet and serene with beautiful views.

Today, Mike noticed a seal sun bathing on the rocky coast. (notice at the bottom of the picture). During winter seals will periodically luxuriate on the smooth rocks and nap during the winter's day.

The views from Marginal Way are amazing: the long immaculate stretch of sand known as Ogunquit beach to the north; to the south the rocky fragmented coast with small quiet beaches and tidal pools.

The Marginal Way is approximately 1 1/4 mile each way. At the end of the Marginal Way sits Perkins Cove. Perkins Cove is a harbor for lobsterman and fisherman. Boats sit safely in the cove against the headwinds of the Atlantic. The "Cove" features a unique wooden pedestrian drawbridge; harbormaster's shack, fine dining, artist's galleries and shops. During the winter, just a few restaurants are open ( Jackies Too, and MC Perkins). The Cove is a working harbor with lobstermen and fishermen bringing in their catch of the day!

Glacier movements from the last ice age created  the cliff formations along the Marginal Way. The rocky cliffs and rocks jutts out to the Atlantic surf. During winter the air is freash with seasalt. A walk during winter on the Marginal Way is good for the body and the soul. There is always something to see, smell and taste!

Soon the town will awake from its winters nap, snow birds will migrate back, tour buses will truck though the narrow roads, and presidents will be dining at Barnacle Billy's for lunch.